Southern California has its share of surprises. But until you live here, you can’t fully appreciate just how surprising things can be. For example, take a look at these fun things no one tells you about living in Southern California. Which ones surprise you the most? Let us know!

1. That Southern California and Northern California are polar opposites.

flickr/jack donahue
Until you live in SoCal you truly have no idea of the vast differences between the northern and southern parts of the state. From the climate to the scenery and even the personality of the people who live there, everything in Southern and Northern California is so different it's like two unique planets.

2. You'll long for distinct seasons after a year full of nothing but summer.

flickr/enrico carcasci
Enjoying the sunshine is just a given in Southern California, and we are grateful for the beautiful weather. But no one ever tells you just how much you'll miss each and every season until you move here. Whether it's the crunchy leaves in the fall or the dusting of snow in the winter, you may find yourself longing for a change of season after experiencing summer in SoCal all year long.

3. Exercise is practically a religion in Southern California.

flickr/nathan rupert
Most Southern Californians are quite fit. Whether it's hiking, biking, walking, surfing, or doing yoga, you'll quickly discover that almost everyone in SoCal is obsessed with some form of exercise.

4. Living in Southern California will turn you into an aggressive driver.

flickr/ernesto endrade
Whether you're on the freeway, merging into another lane, or just trying to find a parking spot at the mall, you'll quickly discover that driving in SoCal is practically a competitive sport.

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5. You'd better have a guest room or at least a comfy couch because EVERYONE will want to come visit you.

flickr/Sue Talbert
When you live in a place like Southern California, you'll find that friends and family are always up for a visit. Whether you have vacation time or not, you'd better be prepared for everyone to sign up for a visit so they can check out Disneyland and SeaWorld.

6. People may tell you it's expensive to live in SoCal but they don't tell you just HOW expensive.

flickr/401(K) 2012
Whether it's the price of housing, sales tax, the price of gas, or even the price of food, everything in SoCal is so much more expensive than you could ever possibly expect.

7. If you don't have a car in SoCal you'll have a challenging time getting around.

flickr/chrisgoldny
Southern California isn't exactly known for its excellent public transportation. With that said, if you rely on public transport to get around then you'll find yourself in a total transportation pickle when you live here - the car is king in SoCal.

8. Everyone grills in SoCal, all the time. All. The. Time.

flickr/Miranda
You'd better have a BBQ when you live in SoCal AND know how to use it as dinnertime often consists of throwing something on the grill most every night of the week. Whether it's fall, winter, spring, or summer, Southern Californians will be outside grilling.

9. You'll become a total Mexican food snob after living in Southern California.

flickr/y6y6y6
Until you live in SoCal, you have no idea just how good Mexican food can be. Whether it's the local taco shop at the end of the block or a mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall, you will quickly discover that you'll never again enjoy Mexican food as much as you do in SoCal.

Planning to visit Southern California but don’t have anywhere to stay yet? Check out the offerings from our friends at Booking.com.

So there you have it! Nine things no one ever tells you about living in Southern California. Which of these things were you surprised to discover? Wondering how to talk like us? Check out this fun video:

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More to Explore

Living in Southern California

Tori Jane | February 14, 2024

What is living in Southern California like?  

Living in Southern California is an adventure every day. With amazing beaches, stunning hillsides, and friendly towns, you can never go wrong with a visit – or a move – to SoCal. Some of the best things about living in Southern California are things like:  

  • The ocean – You can see the ocean every single day if you have the time and want to do so. Sure, you might have to battle some traffic, but on the off-seasons, you have a real chance to get a whole beach to yourself.  
  • The weather – Things only get nasty every so often. In the meantime – which is most times – the weather is usually dry and mild, sometimes with a breeze.  
  • The people – Everyone here’s a little more laid back and a lot more likely to befriend you than in other places. There’s something so chilled out about the SoCal attitude.  

Learn more about the best things about living in Southern California.  

What are some fun things to do in Southern California?  

Of course, there are a TON of fun things to do in Southern California; some of them are famous things to do and others are hidden gems. Some of our all-time favorite fun things to do in Southern California are: 

  • Catalina Island – Everyone, locals and visitors alike, should experience Catalina Island at least once in their lives. It’s not just beautiful – it's iconic.  
  • The San Diego Zoo – Perhaps an obvious one, this incredible zoo is among the best of its kind and it’s right here in SoCal.  
  • The Santa Monica Pier – Another must-do for everyone, the pier is famous for its scenic beauty and all the hustle and bustle surrounding it. 

Learn more about the best things to do in SoCal (according to the locals).   

What are some other fun things to do in SoCal?  

Obviously, the list of fun things to do in Southern California doesn’t begin or end with the above-mentioned items. There are hundreds more that we can’t even list here for brevity’s sake, but a couple of additional must-do things to do in SoCal are things including:  

  • Olvera Street – This adorable old-school street is a little taste of how LA used to be. It’s now a little Mexican lane, and it’s a must.  
  • The Queen Mary – You can tour this old, supposedly haunted cruise ship that’s permanently docked in SoCal to this day.  
  • Ventura Harbor – This quaint shopping village is right up on the edge of the sea, and it’s absolutely adorable.  

Learn more about some of the best day trip ideas in Southern California.  

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